Original article by Andrey Didovskiy

Compiled by Odaily Planet Daily Golem (@web3_golem)

Intelligence is a broad, relative, and highly subjective variable that humans have yet to adequately quantify. Generally speaking, we classify an organism as intelligent if it is “alive” and “autonomous.” This abstract ambiguity is particularly evident in the field of encryption.

From degens writing papers on the potential value of Fartcoin, to governments exploring strategic Bitcoin reserves, to academics developing complex and useless technologies, the cryptocurrency industry is a huge Pandora’s box of paradoxes.

In this crazy world, there are few winners and many losers. The only simple standard that distinguishes the two is a single, simple intelligence metric measured by portfolio performance.

If you want to win in the crypto game, you must stay away from mediocrity. You must either be an IQ 200 Sith Lord (leader of the dark side users in the Star Wars film series) or an IQ 20 absolute degenerate ape (a total mindless speculator); if you fall somewhere in between, you're done for.

In the world of cryptocurrency, the greatest insult one can receive is being called 'average intelligence' (not to mention the emotional and financial pain that comes with it).

What is the Cryptocurrency IQ Curve

Based on the principle of the 'bell curve', the cryptocurrency IQ curve is a meme used to describe the intelligence distribution of market participants.

Cryptocurrency IQ Curve

  • Very few people are at the ends of the curve (winners);

  • Very few people are at the ends of the curve (winners).

This is the nature of vicious competition and zero-sum games in the financial game.

On the left side of the curve are those with IQ 20, 'degenerates' with almost no self-awareness; on the right side of the curve are those with IQ 200, 'super brains' with almost supernatural mathematical and social psychological understanding; and standing in the middle are those hardworking, emotionally dependent ordinary people.

Further analysis of these groups:

Left Side Curve: IQ 20-70

Think like a single-celled organism

This group of bold individuals is unafraid of adventure; they are at the forefront of cryptocurrency, constantly trying, failing, and learning, but always full of energy. These beings are usually highly paranoid, sometimes even autistic, but they are good at creating memes and providing each other with 'CX support'.

While their fervent dedication makes it hard to distinguish between 'degeneracy' and gambling, the same energy helps them become diamond hands and the elite group of early adopters. Those on the left side of the curve are usually unemotional and have a natural tendency to understand human psychology intuitively.

  • Involved Asset Types: Primarily meme coins, but also open to all categories

  • Examples: GOAT, SHIB, SOL, PEPE

  • Investment Philosophy: Less is more, Catcoin Gudcoin, HODL, WAGMI (We will make it)

  • Return Difference: -99% ← → +10,000% (either goes to zero or freedom)

  • Will you ultimately profit?: Sometimes

Middle Curve: IQ 70-120

Groups viewed as liquidity exits

Those in the middle curve heavily rely on technical analysis/charting tools; they are meticulous thinkers but often immersed in false narratives and do not conduct experimental risks. They dare not be the first, yet always believe they won’t be the last. This group of emotionally sensitive top buyers and bottom sellers in the crypto market has many other names: bag holders, retail investors, paper hands, token holders, etc.

Their existence is crucial to the industry—without them, there is no profit.

  • Involved Asset Types: Primarily scams and slow-growing assets

  • Examples: EOS, BTC, HEX

  • Investment Philosophy: Buy high, sell low, panic, blame market manipulation

  • Return Difference: -99% ← → +100% (either goes to zero or small profit)

  • Will you ultimately profit?: Almost never

Right Side Curve: IQ 120 and above

Alpha Individuals

These individuals are frontier thinkers, even creators of narratives, who predict and control trends.

To join this group, one must possess expertise in cryptography, economics, finance, sociology, psychology, computer science, statistics, and other knowledge-intensive disciplines. Those on the right side of the curve are very aware of their emotional states, are obsessed with human psychology, and are extremely patient. These individuals do not yield to social pressure, are unafraid of losses or admitting mistakes, and this group of open-minded individuals is very flexible.

  • Involved Asset Types: Primarily meme coins, but open to all categories

  • Examples: SOL, GOAT, PEPE, OM

  • Investment Philosophy: HODL, BUIDL, DCA, No Leverage

  • Return Difference: -99% ← → +10,000% (either goes to zero or freedom)

  • Will you ultimately profit?: Always

Intelligence levels of different national populations

The average intelligence levels of different countries in the real world can be understood through the following data:

(The dataset varies due to its sources, so the data below contains the most consistent/persistent information found across multiple sources that search engines can access.)

  • The global average IQ is about 94 (ranging from 70-110)

  • The average IQ in the United States is about 97 (varying between states from 95-103)

  • The average IQ in China is about 104 (106 in Hong Kong)

  • The average IQ in Russia is about 96 (ranking in the top four among countries with annual incomes below $10,000)

  • The average IQ in India is about 77 (possibly influenced by culture and a large population)

(Please treat this data with caution; it is certain that the census methods used to collect and aggregate this information have some biases. If you are touched by this data, then congratulations, you are likely a person in the middle curve position; do not feel offended, but be aware of it.)

What kind of person do you want to be?

Choose extreme left or extreme right? (No intention of using political puns), you can choose your own preference. However, due to the arrogant nature of humanity, many people believe they are on the far right, and some may not care about this (investors on the left side), but the fact is that the vast majority will ultimately be in the middle position.

"He who chases two rabbits catches neither." Regardless of which side you choose, remember that mediocrity is the only wrong answer.

Do you understand where you truly stand?

While judging based on asset types is a strong indicator, accurately quantifying a person's position on the cryptocurrency IQ curve requires consideration of multiple factors, including their emotional and psychological state during the decision-making process, logical reasoning (or lack thereof), ability to handle social feedback, and the final outcome of the decisions. Ultimately, it is about remaining objective, being honest with yourself, understanding your risk preferences, and taking action.

Step out of your comfort zone; that is where seeds grow. May peace, love, and absolute abundance come to everyone (no matter where you currently stand on the curve).